Bartender reveals what your cocktail order actually says about you – from outgoing cosmopolitan drinkers to hipster sidecar sippers

Do you err on the side of caution? You’re probably a martini drinker.

Are you the life and soul of the party? You most likely enjoy a cosmopolitan on a night out.

That is according to Adam Msetfi, cocktail and drinks connoisseur at The Cock in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, who says that bartenders can gauge a lot about you from what you drink.   

Despite an increasing interest in low-alcohol drinks and ‘sober curious’ lifestyles, cocktails are becoming increasingly popular with Waitrose noting a 12 per cent rise in sales of their ready-to-drink cosmos versions this year.

As Brits are heading to bars to order drink in their hordes, bartenders are sharing what the order says about you.

Read on to find out if you’re an old soul or tasteful cynic… 

Cosmopolitan

You’re the friend who swears you’re ‘keeping it casual’ for a chill night out and then turns up looking immaculate. You look like you’ve got everything together, which is only betrayed by the fact you probably tried on eight outfits before stepping out the door.

Your outgoing nature means you’ll be the one leading a karaoke duet at midnight despite insisting earlier that you’re going home for an early night. On the way home, you’ll be chatting up a storm with the Uber driver – but once the night is over, you’re happy for the breather.

Sex on the Beach 

You are someone who doesn’t think too hard about drinking. You want something fun, fruity and easy. Big bottomless-brunch energy. 

You can usually be found in a big, loud, happy group and living your best life. For better or for worse, you’re the first one to suggest shots and the last one to realise they’re the reason everyone’s already a bit wobbly. Your night normally ends in a takeaway and a chaotic voice note to the group chat.

Long Island Iced Tea

If this if your favourite cocktail, you’re on a mission. It’s going to be that kind of night and the risk your friends will lose you halfway through is very high. 

You usually start the evening very calm and collected – and then the switch flips. You’ve got a big crew with you and big energy, although you’ll insist that you’re ‘fine’ right up until a trusty friend is guiding you into a cab you definitely don’t remember getting.

Sidecar

You’re a hipster or an ex-bartender who knows your classics. You also think it gives you an edge – there’s always a tiny bit of ‘I know better’ in the order.

Your style is effortless but it definitely took effort – think vintage workwear, well-worn Doc Martens, a beanie that somehow looks intentional instead of some old thing you jus threw on.

Sidecar drinkers prefer to be in smaller groups that are happy to chat all things drinks, bars, music, or whatever your current niche obsession is. Your night ends somewhere low-lit and cool, with you telling everyone you know about another bar they’ve ‘probably never heard of’.

Daiquiri

If you like a frozen daquiri, you’re probably chasing a holiday throwback and want something cold and fun. You’ve got a big grin on your face and overthinking is a no-no. You’re usually up for a dance and maintain that beach bar energy even in December.

But if you’re a daquiri purist, you’re a lighter version of the Sidecar personality but you still know your stuff – you know all the specifications, you can talk through all the different variations, and above all, you love rum. You like to stay around like-minded drinkers who debate about the merits of agricole versus molasses like it’s a TED talk. Your snack game is very specific – particularly when it comes to the tinned anchovies you ‘discovered’ on a trip to Lisbon that you insist everyone tries.

Espresso Martini 

You’re the type of person who initially declined an invitation to go out, but caves after a little bit of persuasion. ‘I’m not coming out, I’m tired… Fine, I’ll come for one.’ And then you’re the last one standing. 

You’ll start your night yawning but by the end of it, you’re wired. You make a big show about being ‘dragged out’ for a night on the town, yet you’re somehow in the club at 2am, shouting over music about how you ‘really weren’t going to drink tonight’.

Pornstar Martini 

You know what you like and want it to land exactly the same every time. You err on the side of caution, so this is a safe order for you. 

You’re a reliable, steady-hand kind of friend who is sociable, confident and up for a good night – but you’re not here for chaos. You’ll be the one snapping the group photos and making sure everyone looks great – yourself included – and then you’re getting everyone into their cabs to go home before you wander off on your own for a cheeky late-night snack. 

Dirty Martini 

You are big on salty, savoury flavours and you know this is a chic drink – with a streak of chaos. The bar is your natural habitat and you always look cool, self-assured and slightly terrifying in the best way.

At the end of the night, you can choose between two paths: either you’re going home early to curl up with a book after just one drink, or you’ll be on a rooftop at 4am with a bunch of strangers you now call friends.

Manhattan

You have old-soul energy and you want something strong you can actually sit with over a longer period of time while you chat away. 

You love a proper conversation and shouting over a DJ is not your idea of a good time. You like hanging out in a small group in a low-lit spot or, better yet, on your own as you’re perfectly content with your own company. After you’ve had your fun, you’re strolling home like you’re in a film noir.

Negroni 

You are a tasteful cynic with dry humour and good taste. You probably have a favourite neighbourhood bar that you will defend aggressively.  

Negroni fans are likely the ones leaning on the bar and giving a running commentary on everyone else’s drink choices. You prefer a tight-knit group to drink with and you always end the night exactly where you planned to. You don’t do chaos – you simply observe it.